Opting to bat first in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe posted a formidable whole of 332-7 of their allotted 50 overs. In response, Oman showcased resilience and fought valiantly, however fell agonisingly brief, ending at 318-9.
With this triumph, the hosts claimed the highest spot on the desk, bolstering their place after carrying over two wins from the group stage towards the West Indies and the Netherlands. The victory gives Zimbabwe with a robust begin to the Tremendous Six stage of the World Cup Qualifier.
“Once I first noticed the wicket, I believed 270 can be an excellent rating,” mentioned Williams. “Fortunately everybody chipped in there and we bought as much as that whole.”
Zimbabwe are aiming to safe qualification for the worldwide one-day showpiece, marking their return after an eight-year absence from the match. After failing to qualify for the 2019 version in England and Wales, Zimbabwe is set to safe a spot this time round.
Within the Tremendous Six stage, the highest two groups within the standings will earn direct qualification to the World Cup.
Sadly, Oman’s probabilities of reaching the principle match are slim, as they’re at present out of rivalry for a qualifying spot. The match is scheduled to happen in India from October 5 to November 19.
Regardless of being thought-about underdogs, Oman put up a fierce combat towards Zimbabwe of their match, offering an enthralling and dramatic chase. Their efforts showcased their dedication, although they started the match with zero factors within the Tremendous Six stage.
Opener Kashyap Prajapati crashed 103 off 97 balls to assist them keep inside touching distance.
Blessing Muzarabani’s three wickets appeared to have put Zimbabwe on the point of victory, helped by some sensible fielding together with a exceptional catch by Luke Jongwe as he juggled the ball on the boundary whereas repeatedly hopping over the rope.
However some late blows from the decrease order left a manageable 39 wanted from the ultimate 17 balls when Fayyaz Butt was trapped lbw by Tendai Chatara.
Captain Zeeshan Maqsood hobbled again out to affix Mohammad Nadeem on the crease having earlier retired injured.
Richard Ngarava’s wonderful penultimate over which conceded simply two runs and a bye left Oman with an excessive amount of to do as Maqsood fell to Chatara from the ultimate ball.
Nadeem ended 30 not out from 18 balls as Muzarabani completed with 3-57 from 9 overs and Chatara with 3-73 from eight.
Earlier, Williams’ fantastic 142 off 103 deliveries, that includes 14 fours and three sixes, supplied the spine of Zimbabwe’s innings.
Sikandar Raza added 42 and Jongwe some late impetus with a 28-ball 43 not out.
Zimbabwe, relying on different outcomes, might safe a spot in India once they face Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Oman are subsequent in motion the next day towards the Netherlands.
(With AFP inputs)
